AAUW: Helping women pursue education

April 19, 2012

The American Association of University Women Gaylord Area Branch (AAUW) has a tradition of holiday giving to women who are pursuing an education.

This past December, the group partnered with the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRC) for the first time to deliver goodie bags full of gift cards from Gaylord businesses to five women, including four single mothers, who are attending classes at the University Center at Gaylord.

These five women are returning to school to pursue degrees in business management, nursing, office administration services, or studio art while working, caring for children, or both.

“The students we work with are very motivated and successful,” said Stacey Burns, program coordinator for the WRC’s Education and Employment Services program. “They have life experience to offer in the classroom and are ready to learn and move forward.”

Burns expressed appreciation for the partnership with AAUW. She explained that words cannot express the happiness the students felt upon receiving the gift bags.

One recipient wrote, “The moment I opened my gifts, tears of joy ran down my face. This was the first time I felt accomplished and appreciated for my hard work in education.”

Another wrote, “It makes me realize that all of my hard efforts and the busy schedule that I kept during the semester were worth it. I felt appreciated for everything that I did last semester.”

Margo Noss, AAUW co-president, was also pleased with the outcome.

“This year’s gift-giving was truly serendipitous,” she said. “Our members have a tradition of finding meaningful ways to support and lift up women who are continuing their education—whether high school or college—in the face of adversity, and these five women were a perfect fit.

“Their stories were inspirational, and we were thrilled to provide them with a little something extra for the holidays.”

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. AAUW membership information is available from Mary Tomaski

at 732-4981.

The WRC is committed to equality, justice and the well-being of women. The Education and Employment Services program provides educational advising, career guidance, résumé development and educational scholarships to eligible students. For more information go to www.wrcnm.org or call 731-0918.